The Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) will hold the inaugural Downtown Small Business Conference and Celebration on February 27 and 28. The event will feature educational workshops on Sunday, the annual State of Downtown Luncheon on Monday, and culminate with the Downtown Heroes Party Monday evening.
“The goal of this two-day event is to bring together business owners, community stakeholders, elected officials and residents to educate our small businesses, have a conversation about where we’re headed as a community, and celebrate downtown’s progress” said Byron Greiner, president and chair of the ADA board.
The educational workshop series starts on Sunday, February 27th. Sponsors of the event include Asheville Savings Bank and Webb Insurance. Speakers and topics include:
• Keynote Speaker – Phil Davis (Tungsten Branding) – Brilliant Branding
• Pat Whalen – Don’t Take “No” for an Answer: Using Your Numbers, Creativity, Common Sense and Perseverance to Succeed
• Kelly Stamey and Jes Williams (FGP Inc.) – Hiring Well
• Deborah Yelton (Webb Insurance) – Health Care Reform
• Kim MacQueen (Gold Hill Associates) – Guerilla Marketing
• Bob Carr (TOPS for Shoes) – Surviving Tough Times
• Scott Courtenay-Smith (Renovate with Color) – Using Artistry, Color and Design To Increase Visibility and Improve Customer Experience
On Monday, February 28th, the ADA hosts the annual State of Downtown Luncheon from noon to 2pm in the Civic Center’s Banquet Room. ADA Executive Director Joe Minicozzi will share the association’s accomplishments as well as discuss the priorities and issues facing its membership. He’ll also give an update on the Downtown Master Plan adopted by city council in May of 2009. Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy will review the city’s accomplishments and address concerns related to downtown. Buncombe County Commission Chairman David Gantt will keynote the luncheon sharing the county’s perspective on downtown Asheville and how it affects the county as a whole. The luncheon is being sponsored by HomeTrust Bank.
The event wraps up with the Downtown Heroes Party on Monday evening beginning at 7pm at the YMI Cultural Center. …
The event strives to offer an opportunity for existing businesses to have access to the tools they need to thrive in the existing economy, and to create an environment in which new businesses can begin and sustain themselves.
Registration forms are available online at www.ashevilledowntown.org and Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, call 828-251-9973 or email [email protected].
Schedule of events:
Sunday, February 27 from 1pm to 8pm – Educational Workshops at YMI Cultural Center on Eagle Street
Sunday, February 27 at 8pm – Social and Networking at a downtown location TBD
Monday, February 28 from noon to 2pm – State of Downtown Luncheon in the Civic Center’s Banquet Room
Monday, February 28 at 7pm – Downtown Heroes Party at YMI Cultural Center on Eagle Street
